Special Orders

[MomMomx3]

I would slow down and savor the process. Honestly, the dreaming and planning is most of the fun of a SO.

The answers to your first two questions are "yes, but it is not totally cut and dry."

The answer to your last two questions are "It depends, but also be reasonable/know what you like and what you want and why".

I would start by reading through most of this thread, the new purchases thread, Ig searches for special order hashtags etc. Make a list of what you want in your next pieces. Format/line, length, color, delicacy/hardiness, formality/casual, versatile/special occasion, etc. For example; one thing on my wishlist is: alternating YG pave and non-pave/indestructible/versatile/semi-dressy/10 motif. They do not make it and no MTO, so it needs to be a SO. I already have most of my criteria, so then it becomes a decision only about which stones for the non-pave meet my needs. Once you get there, you should do a bunch of searches for images and have fun dreaming about it and changing your mind; then submit maybe one request and one backup request. You can also ask for two different at the same time, for example, perhaps I would get the coordinating bracelet.

Have fun!

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I suppose I have been rushing this. The idea of having something that is a bit more unique hits my sweet spot. I didn’t know it was a possibility until my SA mentioned it to me a couple of weeks ago. . . right about the time she told me she is going in maternity leave at the end of this month. So, first, it wouldn’t hurt me to wait until she returns in September/October. And, second, I am sure I could contact the boutique manager if I wanted to a request sooner.

Last week I saw the GMOP RG Magic long necklace in person and loved it. The photo online doesn’t capture the iridescence of the GMOP and how beautifully it plays with the RG. The RG Guilloche secret pendant watch was in the case next to the Magic Pendant. I loved that necklace, too, but I am not sure I’d wear a watch like that. At this point I started thinking about putting the RG Guilloche and RG GMOP together. I’ve begun looking back through this thread (great tip, thank you) and noticed another member who had the same idea. I need to ask if their SO was approved and, if so, would their share a photo. This is my first idea and doesn’t reflect the thoughtful process you suggested above. I like your line of thinking because it could be a very expensive mistake if I special order a piece or two that end up in a drawer.

Thanks for the reminder to have fun!

 

[nicole0612]

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I suppose I have been rushing this. The idea of having something that is a bit more unique hits my sweet spot. I didn’t know it was a possibility until my SA mentioned it to me a couple of weeks ago. . . right about the time she told me she is going in maternity leave at the end of this month. So, first, it wouldn’t hurt me to wait until she returns in September/October. And, second, I am sure I could contact the boutique manager if I wanted to a request sooner.

Last week I saw the GMOP RG Magic long necklace in person and loved it. The photo online doesn’t capture the iridescence of the GMOP and how beautifully it plays with the RG. The RG Guilloche secret pendant watch was in the case next to the Magic Pendant. I loved that necklace, too, but I am not sure I’d wear a watch like that. At this point I started thinking about putting the RG Guilloche and RG GMOP together. I’ve begun looking back through this thread (great tip, thank you) and noticed another member who had the same idea. I need to ask if their SO was approved and, if so, would their share a photo. This is my first idea and doesn’t reflect the thoughtful process you suggested above. I like your line of thinking because it could be a very expensive mistake if I special order a piece or two that end up in a drawer.

Thanks for the reminder to have fun!

I am so glad that it was helpful. It sounds like you have considered the stones that you want, but perhaps also have a second choice in mind since it is not the easiest combo to get approved (though certainly not the most difficult). Typically the closer something is to an offering in the main line, the easier it is to be approved. Things are harder that are more creative or use stones that are very limited. The next step, and very important in my opinion, is to narrow down your choices for the other specifics of the item (format, length, set vs single piece etc). I have only reached this logical process recently; everyone here knows that my collection is full of strange unicorn pieces that I never wear but still love to death.

 

[EpiFanatic]

I would slow down and savor the process. Honestly, the dreaming and planning is most of the fun of a SO.

The answers to your first two questions are "yes, but it is not totally cut and dry."

The answer to your last two questions are "It depends, but also be reasonable/know what you like and what you want and why".

I would start by reading through most of this thread, the new purchases thread, Ig searches for special order hashtags etc. Make a list of what you want in your next pieces. Format/line, length, color, delicacy/hardiness, formality/casual, versatile/special occasion, etc. For example; one thing on my wishlist is: alternating YG pave and non-pave/indestructible/versatile/semi-dressy/10 motif. They do not make it and no MTO, so it needs to be a SO. I already have most of my criteria, so then it becomes a decision only about which stones for the non-pave meet my needs. Once you get there, you should do a bunch of searches for images and have fun dreaming about it and changing your mind; then submit maybe one request and one backup request. You can also ask for two different at the same time, for example, perhaps I would get the coordinating bracelet.

Have fun!

@MomMomx3, just jumping in here to add my 2c, though not solicited. @nicole0612's advice to know what you like and what you want and why is very good advice. I have only had a few SOs, but I've always gone with a piece that 1) I LOVE, 2) can see myself wearing all the time, which therefore means that it goes with all my other jewelry and works in my daily life and 3) it would be in the realm of possibility per discussion with my SA. Some of the factors that put that into the realm of possibility are whether they have done it before, whether it is a piece that matches other pieces I have in my collection, and whether it is similar to another piece they already produce. For example, my SA told me they likely would not do an SO for a magic onyx and WG short pendant. They already have the long onyx/WG magic pendant, and I want a short one that is attached rather than with a bail. My SA told me it was unlikely. However, when I asked for a carnelian/WG bracelet, my SA didn't know but was fine to try the request. I would not stress out too much about it. It's not a big deal if you ask and they say no. They don't hold it against you. As long as you have a good relationship with an SA, you can always ask again or try different combos. Like @nicole0612 says, have fun with it. It's great not to be stuck with only what you see on the website.

 

[ProShopper1]

I would slow down and savor the process. Honestly, the dreaming and planning is most of the fun of a SO.

The answers to your first two questions are "yes, but it is not totally cut and dry."

The answer to your last two questions are "It depends, but also be reasonable/know what you like and what you want and why".

I would start by reading through most of this thread, the new purchases thread, Ig searches for special order hashtags etc. Make a list of what you want in your next pieces. Format/line, length, color, delicacy/hardiness, formality/casual, versatile/special occasion, etc. For example; one thing on my wishlist is: alternating YG pave and non-pave/indestructible/versatile/semi-dressy/10 motif. They do not make it and no MTO, so it needs to be a SO. I already have most of my criteria, so then it becomes a decision only about which stones for the non-pave meet my needs. Once you get there, you should do a bunch of searches for images and have fun dreaming about it and changing your mind; then submit maybe one request and one backup request. You can also ask for two different at the same time, for example, perhaps I would get the coordinating bracelet.

Have fun!

Does it help your chances of getting something approved by ordering more than one matching piece (bracelet and pendant/10 motif)?

I've been torturing my brain on what to get next and thought I was down to a 10 motif necklace to compliment one of my bracelets, but then I saw someone post their YG chalcedony bracelet. I fell in love with the stone in store but I don't have any other WG Alhambra pieces. The only other one I would consider (that isn't SO/MTO) is the WG guilloche so I'm hesitant to think of the WG as an option.

 

[nicole0612]

Does it help your chances of getting something approved by ordering more than one matching piece (bracelet and pendant/10 motif)?

I've been torturing my brain on what to get next and thought I was down to a 10 motif necklace to compliment one of my bracelets, but then I saw someone post their YG chalcedony bracelet. I fell in love with the stone in store but I don't have any other WG Alhambra pieces. The only other one I would consider (that isn't SO/MTO) is the WG guilloche so I'm hesitant to think of the WG as an option.

View attachment 5783659

Yes, generally, especially with pave, though from personal experience, chalcedony combos are a little bit harder to get approved when they get more creative. It also seems like approvals and denials come in waves, so I would ask if you want it. The worst you can be told is "no", then you can ask for a second choice or resubmit your first choice at a later time.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Catching up a bit here, but I think I may have some useful experience to add to the conversation.

All SOs are subject to your relationship with your SA/boutique and is typically based on your spend as a client. One SO that is approved for one client might not be approved for another client.

Well said!
I want to add where you spend matters as well. Boutiques are loyal to you if you are loyal them.

I would try to stay loyal to a boutique if possible as the boutique director often calls the shots, not the SA. Getting to know the boutique director also helps, and if you are a regular, the boutique director will reach out to you anyway to say hello.

These are both very important for newer clients to remember. I have been approved for and purchased a number of SOs over the years, and one issue that has come up is that I need to be careful about posting photos of them: my SA has become a very dear friend (we have a social friendship, not just VCA) and I am aware that any time a well-viewed photo is posted (whether on Instagram or here), the boutiques are inundated with requests (like the hot pink Sevres pieces we’ve seen SO-ed).

I certainly don’t want to make things more challenging for anyone at VCA, and I love my SA; we have a fantastic time coming up with SOs, which we both enjoy and will hopefully continue to do. So I don’t announce SO arrivals anymore, and if I happen to be wearing something in a photo, that’s fine, but I’m not going to promote it.

Separately, I would like to hear how other members have decided on SO pieces—type of gold, stones, etc. The idea of having something that is uniquely mine appeals to me very much.

With that said, I have a set that consists of 2 SOs and 1 MTO. The MTO is Onyx/RG which I believe has been mentioned here recently. This set was actually inspired by a visual mistake I made - years ago I walked into a boutique in Vegas, and I was instantly smitten with a 20-motif worn by an SA. It looked like RG/Onyx, but when I mentioned it to my SA, she said it was actually Letterwood, which can darken with time. I think it also looked darker due to the store’s lighting as well. Anyway, I had that visual in my head for years before I decided to order it, and I wear it all the time. To me the RG softens the onyx in a way that YG and WG just don’t, and I’m genuinely surprised that RG/Onyx and RG/MOP arent offered regularly..

 

[Notorious Pink]

You never know. Just ask for it if your SA will do it for you. I’ve asked for stuff that has never been done and it happened. And stuff that has been done but I got rejected. Throw it out there and see what sticks.

I should add that I have never had anything rejected, but my SA is good at letting me know what she thinks would be approved (I think it’s important for any SA to be able to manage expectations).

 

[diamondsondiamonds]

i heard the 85k spend is in place for MTO temporarily so you should heck with your SA.

This is true! My SA informed me last week! (

 

[diamondsondiamonds]

Does it help your chances of getting something approved by ordering more than one matching piece (bracelet and pendant/10 motif)?

I've been torturing my brain on what to get next and thought I was down to a 10 motif necklace to compliment one of my bracelets, but then I saw someone post their YG chalcedony bracelet. I fell in love with the stone in store but I don't have any other WG Alhambra pieces. The only other one I would consider (that isn't SO/MTO) is the WG guilloche so I'm hesitant to think of the WG as an option.

View attachment 5783659

YG chalcedony?? Do you have a picture?

 

[ProShopper1]

YG chalcedony?? Do you have a picture?

It's somewhere in this forum..if I come across it I'll definitely link it!

 

[BigAkoya]

Does it help your chances of getting something approved by ordering more than one matching piece (bracelet and pendant/10 motif)?

I've been torturing my brain on what to get next and thought I was down to a 10 motif necklace to compliment one of my bracelets, but then I saw someone post their YG chalcedony bracelet. I fell in love with the stone in store but I don't have any other WG Alhambra pieces. The only other one I would consider (that isn't SO/MTO) is the WG guilloche so I'm hesitant to think of the WG as an option.

View attachment 5783659

I vote get a 10 motif. You already have bracelets, and another bracelet is not going to move the needle in your jewelry collection.
Assuming you will wear a 10 motif, that will be a great set with your bracelet.

Also, I would not get YG chalcedony just because you love the stone and want to collect. If anything, get something else in WG chalcedony such as a 10 motif or VA earrings. The Chalcedony earrings are beautiful.

Just my two cents.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Magic 16s are really beautiful to me as I love long necklaces (50" or more). Magic 16 comes in at 47". I was thinking of getting the WG Magic 16 (WMOP, GMOP, chalcedony). However, when I tried it on, I felt there was too much space between the motifs and too much "chain" so it looked a bit like an airy station necklace, not a bold necklace. It did not really pop. That's just me, and I prefer the 20 far more than the Magic 16. I was also going to wear the Magic 16 long, not doubled.

I think a 20 pops more than the Magic 16 due to the motifs being closer together so you don't see all that chain. The Magic 16 though is beautiful, very light and airy. Sometimes, I still think if I should get it.

On your two 10s, may I suggest shortening one slightly? Or lengthening one.

This will give it an organized layered look and since one is slightly longer, they will not overlap and make it look messy when two 10 motif of the same length are stacked (that's kind of a busy look to me and I like organization ).

@BigAkoya I agree that the Magic 16 is something that really has to be tried on. I tried one a few months ago, and I was surprised to find that I did not like it on me at all - the length isn’t quite right, and the different-sized motifs weren’t doing me any favors. Maybe it’s more flattering on taller people?

I differ on shortening/lengthening a 10 if you have two, but because I don’t have two I’m confused as to why this is preferable. When I double wrap my 20, I just adjust it so that one loop is longer than the other; couldn’t one do the same if they connected two 10s? Or am I missing something?

 

[BigAkoya]

@BigAkoya I agree that the Magic 16 is something that really has to be tried on. I tried one a few months ago, and I was surprised to find that I did not like it on me at all - the length isn’t quite right, and the different-sized motifs weren’t doing me any favors. Maybe it’s more flattering on taller people?

I differ on shortening/lengthening a 10 if you have two, but because I don’t have two I’m confused as to why this is preferable. When I double wrap my 20, I just adjust it so that one loop is longer than the other; couldn’t one do the same if they connected two 10s? Or am I missing something?

I mentioned adjusting it so it does not lay on top of each other. The poster was concerned about scratching, so if you connect two 10s and wrap them, you are overlapping with the metal and potentially "scratching" which was her concern.

If you actually shorten or lengthen one of the 10s, they will lay exactly side by side and not overlap.
My example was think of a double-strand of pearls. They are two unique strands, one shorter than the other, specifically to lay side by side. They lay beautifully. There is no overlap. Hope that explains it.

Yes on the Magic. I had my SA bring in the WG Magic 16 and WG Magic bracelet. I went to the boutique thinking I would for sure buy the WG Magic 16 and maybe the Magic bracelet to make a set. I was really bummed the Magic 16 did nothing for me as I love long necklaces. With the Magic 16, I could barely even find the motifs as they are space so far apart and there is so much chain. The SA suggested I double it, but as I mentioned, it lands on the chest and is a messy look for me. It looks great on others, but it's not for me. I love the 20 the most. By the way, I did try and add a 5 motif to a 20 to make it longer. That did not work, and it looked way too "motif heavy."

By the way, glad you are back! Have not seen you for a while!

 

[Swanky]

Hi, if you're not talking about special orders, you're off topic and it gets confusing. Please make sure you're ONLY discussing SO's in this thread.

Still too much off topic discussion, please respect that others subscribe to the thread, and stay on topic.

 

[8seventeen19]

One of my SOs from last year has arrived and I am THRILLED!! Way better than I imagined-- including my terrible Photoshopped image to my SA.

Magic BTF pave and onyx.